Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Joliet is 65% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,237/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 116%
$88,026/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 58%
$248,600 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 365%
$1,472/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 90%
149,785
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,441/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $17,292/year.

Median household income is $51,300/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Joliet or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,441/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $51,300/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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